Business
Shop around the world at Global Village during the last weekend of DSF
A visit to Global Village is truly one of the most unique and enriching experiences for any visitor in town during the 20th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Sprinkled with a tempting fusion of international flavours, this popular destination hosts more than 3500 independent retailers, offering an eye-catching display of an eclectic range of products from over 70 countries.
As a Key Sponsor of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and organisers of DSF, Global Village has firmly emerged as a not-to-be-missed attraction of DSFs month-long agenda of events and activities each year.
Featuring pavilions representing different countries of the world, Global Village is also a fitting representation of DSFs universal theme: One World, One Family, One Festival which has since the festivals inception in 1996, drawn visitors and residents of various nationalities together.
An engaging agenda of stage shows awaits DSF visitors at Global Village during the last weekend of DSF. Cirque Montage, a world-class production created by a former Cirque du Soleil performer, is a special attraction for families that features musical, theatrical and circus elements. By creating a whimsical world of animated characters each of whom plays an appealing role in the performance, this act weaves together a 30-minute collage of traditional cutting-edge circus arts and offers much comic relief, hosted by a wisecracking ringmaster.
Amidst a versatile ensemble, which ranges in movement from high octane and electrifying, to serene and lyrical, the ringmaster introduces guests to pole climbers, duo hand balancers, an aerialist and other performers reminding spectators of the beauty of the human body and that comedy is a universal language. Cirque Montage takes place at Global Village until 31 January at the raffle draw stage.
Another stage event to look forward at Global Village is From West End to Broadway, which is a 45-minute song and dance performance featuring hits from some of the most well-known musicals such as Mamma Mia!, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Les Misrables and many more. Fun-filled and highly entertaining, the show is tailored for the entire family and will take place at Global Village until 31 January on the main stage.
Also on the agenda is the act by The Dancing Painter who is mesmerising the audiences with his unique ability to paint and dance at the same time. Visitors can watch him transform his canvas into beautiful creations while he simultaneously entertains them with his fun dance moves. The Dancing Painter will be at Global Village from 31 January to 1 February at the main stage.
Most loved for its traditional vibe, the marketplace ambience of Global Village also offers shoppers a first-hand treat for all the five senses as they watch, taste, smell, hear and take home experiences of an enticing lineup. And its lively alfresco setting is the perfect excuse for anyone looking to indulge in a Bazaar-style retail therapy experience.
While the sight of a Yemeni honey-seller is a totally sweet delight, the display of Afghani pistachios in the sacks of nuts at the Afghanistan pavilion is also hard to miss. And the selection of handmade and crafted bidriware silver tea sets at the Indian pavilion, the spread of handmade wooden furniture at the African pavilion or the hand-woven Persian carpets at the Iran pavilion the choices on Global Villages souk-inspired grounds are aplenty and give every single visitor the opportunity to explore and discover the world in a completely different light.
Walking down the open-air markets at Global Village, a visitor can lay hands on some of the most exotic and rare spices at a number of pavilions including those of Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. Fragrances of a variety of Oud perfumes, filling the atmosphere with heart-warming scents of Arabia and innumerable choices of Saudi Arabian dates at the pavilion, bring one closer to the traditions of the Middle East and open a window into the Arabic ways of life and culture.
Throughout the length of DSF, Global Village is open daily from 4pm to 1am and on weekends from 4pm to 2am.